Lukashenko Wins Controversial Belarusian Election Amid International Condemnation

Belarussian President Alexander Lukashenko secured another term in an election dismissed as a sham by the opposition and the European Union, extending his rule spanning over three decades. The Central Election Commission announced Lukashenko’s victory early Monday, claiming he received almost 87% of the vote following a campaign featuring four uncontested candidates who supported his […]

Investigators: Missing Black Box Data Precedes Fatal Airliner Crash

A preliminary report on last month’s fatal plane crash reveals that the aircraft’s flight data and cockpit voice recorders ceased functioning four minutes before impact, resulting in the loss of 179 lives. This confirms earlier statements from South Korea’s Transportation Ministry. The South Korean Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board’s Monday report confirms the recorders’ […]

Israel and Hamas Agree on Hostage Release and Gaza Return “`

A deal brokered by Qatar between Israel and Hamas will see the phased release of additional hostages, beginning Thursday. The agreement also permits the return of Palestinians to northern Gaza, commencing Monday morning. This agreement is anticipated to alleviate immediate tensions stemming from the fragile ceasefire. Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office stated that following resolute negotiations, […]

M23 Rebel Advances in Eastern Congo Claim Lives of 13 Peacekeepers and Allied Soldiers “`

Intense fighting between Rwanda-backed rebels and Congolese government forces near Goma, a major city in eastern Congo, forced the evacuation of Goma’s international airport and the temporary suspension of commercial flights on Sunday. At least 13 peacekeepers and allied soldiers died in the clashes, and thousands of civilians were displaced. The M23 rebels have recently […]

ICC Prosecutor’s Last-Ditch Effort to Avert Sanctions Vote “`

International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor Karim Khan’s application for arrest warrants against Taliban leaders Haibatullah Akhundzada and Abdul Hakim Haqqani for crimes against humanity has drawn criticism for its perceived attempt to influence the U.S. Senate’s upcoming vote on sanctions against the ICC. This action coincides with the Senate’s consideration of a bill to sanction […]

Nobel Laureate Urges Trump to Use Strength to End Ukraine War “`

President Trump is urging Russian President Vladimir Putin to negotiate an end to the protracted conflict in Ukraine, a war he terms “ridiculous” and which began almost three years ago. His 2024 campaign rhetoric frequently emphasized ending global conflicts, including the Ukraine war, drawing on Reagan’s “peace through strength” policy. Now in office, Trump is […]

Impeached South Korean President Indicted for Martial Law Declaration

Impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol faces indictment on charges of instigating a rebellion following his brief imposition of martial law last month, according to the opposition Democratic Party and multiple news sources. While President Yoon enjoys immunity from most criminal charges, this protection doesn’t extend to accusations of rebellion or treason, offenses punishable […]

Hostage release celebrated, but families of terror victims express concerns over prisoners’ freedom “`

The release of four Israeli hostages—Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy, and Liri Albag—held captive in Gaza for 477 days, marked the second phase of a complex ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. Their return home on Saturday reunited them with their families. This resolution came at a significant cost: Israel released 121 Palestinian prisoners […]

Rubio Demands Answers on Two More Americans Held by Taliban

President Biden’s administration recently secured the release of Americans Ryan Corbett and William Wallace McKenty from Taliban captivity through a prisoner exchange. However, the agreement didn’t include all U.S. citizens held by the Taliban. Senator Marco Rubio recently reported on X that he’d learned of additional Americans held by the Taliban, suggesting a strong response […]

Milei’s Davos Speech Condemns Wokeness and Transgenderism “`

In a passionate address at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Argentine President Javier Milei denounced “the mental virus of woke ideology.” Milei attributed the Industrial Revolution’s success in alleviating global poverty to fundamental Western values such as life, liberty, free speech, and religious freedom. He then condemned wokeism as a destructive force threatening these […]

Israel Orders Closure of UNRWA Jerusalem Operations Due to Security Concerns “`

Israel’s Ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, officially informed UN Secretary-General António Guterres that Israel demands UNRWA cease Jerusalem operations and vacate its premises by January 30, 2025.  This follows Israeli Knesset legislation ending Israel’s agreements with UNRWA due to national security concerns. Danon’s letter to Guterres explained the decision, citing “acute national security risks” […]

Land Reform Bill Allowing Expropriation Without Compensation Becomes Law in South Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa has enacted legislation enabling the government to seize land without compensation, a move criticized by some as threatening private property rights. This new law, replacing the 1975 Expropriation Act, details the state’s land expropriation procedures and justifications, according to the BBC. While Ramaphosa’s African National Congress (ANC) celebrated this as a major […]

Colombia’s President Invokes Emergency Powers to Quell Rebel Violence in Coca-Growing Region “`

Facing escalating violence in a coca-growing region bordering Venezuela, Colombian President Gustavo Petro issued an emergency decree on Friday. Effective immediately, and potentially extendable, this 90-day decree grants the president authority to implement curfews, control traffic, and take other measures that would typically infringe on citizens’ rights or necessitate congressional approval. This unprecedented action, the […]

Israel to Maintain Lebanon Troop Presence as Ceasefire Deadline Approaches “`

Israel’s military confirmed Friday that its troops will remain in Lebanon as a 60-day ceasefire agreement nears its end on Sunday. The November ceasefire stipulated that Israel would withdraw its forces, deployed last fall to dismantle Hezbollah, within 60 days.  However, Israeli officials contend that the withdrawal is contingent upon Lebanon fulfilling its obligations, including […]